The San Diego Chargers got off to a great start in 2014, but injuries contributed to a slide in the last 10 games. Now in-depththere are rumors that long-time QB Philip Rivers may be on the trading block and that the Chargers may be interested in a trade for Marcus Mariota.

So is this team a few healthy pieces from being a playoff contender? Or are the Chargers about to hit a semi-rebuilding cycle? Ernie Padaon, editor of Bolt Beat, shared some thoughts.

Zoneblitz: San Diego started 5-1 with a win over Seattle but slid to 9-7 and missed the playoffs. How would you assess the season?

Padaon: When the offensive line started falling apart, the team was not able to run the offense that they would like. Missing Ryan Mathews for the season also hurt. The running game struggled and put all the pressure for Philip Rivers to win games, but every team knew that we only had one option on offense. We were in it at the end, but couldn’t beat the Chiefs without their starting quarterback to make it into the playoffs. We didn’t deserve the playoffs.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on Mike McCoy as head coach after his second season?

Padaon: He is ultra conservative as a head coach. It is not a bad thing, but you won’t see many risks coming from him. I wonder how much of the success the team had on offense in his rookie season could be attributed to Ken Whisenhunt. The team seemed to start fast on offense this year, but the injuries hurt. McCoy is predictable with his play calling as well. He needs to show improvements in this coming season.

Zoneblitz: Philip Rivers is entering the last year of his contract. Will this be his last season with the Chargers?

Padaon: That is the big question in town. He might not even see the season if the team trades him on draft day. All the talk about a Philip Rivers trade keeps getting louder, but it could easily be put to sleep if he were to come out and say something about it. He could also sign a long-term deal that would keep him on the roster for a few more seasons. We may already have seen his last season.

Zoneblitz: With Ryan Mathews gone, will the Chargers enter the season with Branden Oliver/Donald Brown/Danny Woodhead at RB is this a spot that needs to be addressed early or at some point in the draft – and is this a possible landing spot for Gurley or Gordon?

Padaon: I think that there is more of a possibility of Gordon over Gurley. The team doesn’t want to take a risk on another injured running back. The team definitely could take Gordon with their first selection in the draft. The team is expected to address the running back situation in the first couple of rounds in the draft.

Zoneblitz: The Chargers really lacked depth on the O-line last year, with a revolving door at center and right guard. They landed Orlando Franklin in free agency. Is that enough or do they still need more help on the line?

Padaon: The team still needs to find someone to play the other guard spot. Johnnie Troutman struggled all season long at the right guard position and he is slated to be the starter again at this point. The team needs to address that position in the draft.

Zoneblitz: Keenan Allen looked like a star as a rookie, then struggled some as a sophomore. Which is closer to what we should expect this year?

Padaon: Allen didn’t have the same impact as he did in his rookie year, but he still was a productive player. He got all the attention from the defense in his sophomore year. Teams were ready for him in the sophomore season. He has the ability to be a star in the league, but he does need some help. He could use another threat at wide receiver on the team. Philip Rivers also seemed to target Malcom Floyd a lot more.

Zoneblitz: The Chargers haven’t had a player with double-digit sacks since 2011? Can they break that streak this year? Who’s the top candidate to do it?

Padaon: The top candidate to do it at this point is Melvin Ingram. If Ingram can stay healthy he would be the guy. He hasn’t stayed healthy though. He is constantly battling some injury. The pass rush is something the team needs to address at some point.

Zoneblitz: What Chargers players have a chance to break out in 2015?

Padaon: Melvin Ingram will be the player to watch. He needs to stay healthy, but if he does, he will make some noise around the league. We just need him to stay in games.

Zoneblitz: How far are the Chargers from making another run to and through the postseason?

Padaon: At this point in the offseason, the team hasn’t made any real improvements to the roster. We brought in Orlando Franklin to help the offensive line, but we still have holes and questions to be answered. We need a running back. We need another offensive lineman. We also need more of a pass rush. We will see what we get in the draft.

Zoneblitz: What is your reaction to the offseason moves at this point and what would you like to see the team do through the rest of free agency and in the draft?

Padaon: The team needs to find impact players in the draft. We kept some key players in free agency, but the team needs to find more impact players.

Zoneblitz: What’s the future of the Chargers in San Diego?

Padaon: Not sure what will happen with the Chargers in San Diego. At this point, it still seems like a dream that we would be able to build a stadium for them. The Chargers are going to play for whatever city they can get a new stadium. At this point, it still doesn’t seem like it is San Diego.

Follow Ernie Padaon on Twitter at: @ernie_fansided
Follow Bolt Beat on Twitter at: @bb_chargers
Follow Zoneblitz.com on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom

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